Yes, it is true that success is a subjective term and can be measured in different ways. Durjoy Dutta, one of India’s best-selling romance novelists, might be considered “repetitive”, “crappy”, “overrated,” and so on, yet one cannot deny that he holds the numbers for having the highest-selling romance novel in India and is the unparalleled king in this trope. So, today we give you 5 Reasons why Durjoy Dutta is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of Indian romance fiction.
The minute I start reading, I’m itching to write my own thing.
-Durjoy Dutta.
Well, isn’t that the thing with all those who are hungry to create their next best possible piece of work as soon as they create one brilliant craft and immediately embark upon the next? Exactly my point here. A person who has gotten into romance as far as possible is our very own King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. Yes, I am referring here to none other than Durjoy Dutta, one of India’s most beloved romance novelists and screenwriters. A writer who is so deeply into romance (literally, no pun intended; he and his wife make the cutest couple peeps!) has always been the reason for us to celebrate and look at romance in a way that has not only made us celebrate it but also paved the way for reading, especially in a country like India where there are very few writers who have been writing in this genre before.
So, today let me give you all five reasons why I think Durjoy Dutta is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of Indian romance fiction. Yes, as one of India’s most celebrated Authors, it is his sheer charm and magic that he tends to cast upon his readers that have kept him absolutely spellbinding. The exuberance with which he crafts his work, the resonance that comes across through his stories, and the romance that builds therein are contrary to other attempts where writers simply make upon the face value of “so-called “love.
Why Durjoy Dutta?
For Durjoy, quoting him in his very own words, romance has meant different things at different points in life. When he was younger, it was all the mushy stuff like, This is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, but with time, these thought procedures changed to trying to live with someone with whom you could share everything and have a witness to your life.
Durjoy, whose candid thoughts on romance actually strike a chord with audiences and have been doing so for years now, has always felt that even more important than creating the romantic bit in the story are the characters. He always iterates that he always tries to write characters that he wants to fall in love with. He loves the characters he curates, and he loves what he creates.
Early life
Born in Gujarat into a Bengali Hindu family, Durjoy was raised in New Delhi and did his mechanical engineering in Gurgaon and Germany. He quit his job as a marketing manager at American Express in 2011 and went on to become a full-time writer.
While still in college, his debut work, “Of Course, I Love You,” was highly acclaimed and loved, depicting the love lives of young Indians. His second work, “Now that You’re Rich!” too received rave reviews, making him climb up the ladder of successful writers on the romance horizon. His fourth work, “Ohh, Yes, I am Single! co-written by him and Neeti Rustagi, primarily drew inspiration from his own life. His fifth book, You Were My Crush!, which came out in 2011, reached the No. 3 spot on the Hindustan Times bestseller list. Since then, there has simply been no looking back for him.
Love Life
Marrying the love of his life, travel blogger and air hostess Avantika Mohan has perhaps been the catalyst of Durjoy’s life, helping him depict love and the intricacies of a romantic relationship with such startling alacrity. Did you know, for instance, that Durjoy has this little writing ritual of describing bits about Avantika in each of his books? Now, that is what I call super romantic, right? So, before I proceed to tell you guys 5 Reasons why Durjoy Dutta is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of Indian romance fiction, let me give you a little bit of the infamous “Durjoy-Avanti” love story:
- He named the protagonist in his first book after her after he met her through common friends. That was when he was also writing his first.
- So, the usually shy and subdued Durjoy eventually proposed to her online since he knew that Avantika would like a proper wedding proposal, and this was a way he could think of without attracting much attention. And yet, when somehow a lot of people who hadn’t even read his books joined in on it and it got blown up, Avantika was ecstatic too!
- Describing him Avantika has candidly stated, “He’s cute, and he writes. Also, he’s not like a “man” man. As in, he doesn’t wear his masculinity on his sleeve, which is refreshing.”
So, these two, who still continue to be love birds even after the arrival of their little one, give the best possible and simplest advice on holding onto one’s partner forever: “Only hold on if it’s the most natural thing that comes to you.”
Hmm, now I get why he is so popular—Durjoy, I mean. But, yes, there are many other reasons why Durjoy Dutta is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of Indian romance fiction (apart from his dimples, of course!) So, here are 5 Reasons why Durjoy Dutta is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of Indian romance fiction:
Unparalleled mastery of love
Yes, when it comes to exploring and portraying love, his central theme, he is a true master. Portraying it with closer-to-life relatability, Durjoy always aims to capture it the way love truly feels.
Depiction on true face value
Yes, love in his books is “not eternal” but “quies promisques,” aka subject to life and its unpredictability. That is a factor that makes it closer to us.
Accessible and down-to-earth
What I mean here are his stories. Yes, millennials today, especially Gen Z, do not want to indulge in movies where the male lead and the female lead are so impossibly cast and plotted that they are absolutely out of their league to consider. Nobody wants to read about a dewy-eyed princess or a frog-turned-prince kind of character anymore. It has more to do with what is given and delivered at a much closer-to-life face value.
Experimentality
As a writer who has matured, if one were to consider Durjoy’s latest, it tackles themes far beyond romance. Discussing even Twitter trolling and the perils of virality and cancel culture, his previous “Wish I could tell you”, shows his outing as experimenting with further themes and adding the love trope only as a garnish,” as he likes to put it. Also, his signature dark humour, a part of his characters’ outings, is evolving and has made his books more exciting than before, especially for Gen Z.
“The boy meets the girl, and sparks follow.”
Yes, an idea that never fails. Durjoy has been primarily working around this concept, making sure that this trope, which is possibly the readers’ favourite sensitive nerve, is given due acknowledgement. Yes, the typical “boy meets girl” trope is one we always like to indulge in, especially after a long, dreary day at work, especially when all we want to read is something light and indulgent. (Not to forget the racy “sex” he also manages to put in his stories!)
Yes, the dimpled boy, who has come a long way as a writer, continues to rule the charts as far as romance is concerned.
I hope you guys liked my thoughts on why I think Durjoy Dutta is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of Indian romance fiction.
Adios Amigos!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle,’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
When I read Durjoy Dutta’s romance novels, it’s almost like experiencing the magic of Shah Rukh Khan in book form. The way Durjoy captures the essence of love and human connections resonates with me, just as SRK’s performances have a timeless charm. Both leave an indelible mark on my heart!
Well Well Well! You said it, DD is the SRK of Romance in books. I once read an interview of DD and what struck me as similar to SRK was the practical and humble approach, the level-headed you do not expect from someone who makes a living from gushing romances. Probably that’s what made them perfect it into a success story.
The way you put DD as a Shaharukh Khan I am eagerly waiting to read his novel. I didn’t yet read any of his novel . infact I didn’t read any novel from last 3 years. will start with this. thank you for sharing wonderful work.
I am a succour for romance, and now I am going to read his books. None like Shahrukh but Durjoy looks cute with his dimple. Thank you for sharing his books. Will surely get and read as it is likr fodder for my romantic soul
My cousin’s favourite writer. Though I don’t read romance a lot. The way you have discussed how the writer has evolved with time embarking on a journey to show how love has also evolved with the passage of time seems to show the versatile nature that the writer has written.
I have been reading Durjoy Datta from his first book and I have witnessed how he has grown as an author. As you said with proof, he is indeed the Shahrukh of Romance because he has managed to be the King of Romance and updated himself time and again.
As you said there was a time when I used to snub his books as trash but now I can bet that he is the best among his peers and has sincerity when he writes each romantic stories.
Romance in books need some kind of spark to light up the reader, and truely this is proven tru the Durjoy Dutta books.
I must say that I have never heard of him as I have a liking for literary romance. But commercial romance does have an advantage of appealing to more people, as it revolves around more contemporary circumstances. It is a way to keep things moving fast and more in sync with the current world. But it was good to know he started his career as a writer so young. We only keep thinking, but he’s actually done it.
To be very honest, I haven’t read a single book of his although my niece loves him and has his books at home. I somehow haven’t been drawn towards his books. I am a die hard romantic n loved reading M&Bs when I was young though. I think I must atleast try now after reading your blog. it was nice to learn about a popular author in this way.
I have read a couple of books of him and am totally in love with those books. And you truly said that Roamce/book is the first choice
Well, SRK is the King forever. I had read almost all the books by Durjoy Datta. I had been reading his books when him, Sachin Garg and Ravinder Singh were a trio in this industry. But I never thought of him as SRK of this field until now. You had presented him to me in a new light.
I guess that’s what makes him special as a writer though. I’m not a fan neither have read any of his novels but judging from this article and others reviews, I’m guessing he’s really a well-known author when it comes to romance novels and that’s what’s important, right? Being the best in your craft and be known for what you do best. Sometimes, you don’t need to be the best in all things but just in one is enough.
I haven’t had the chance to read any of his books, even though a friend recommended him to me. Somehow, his novels didn’t quite grab my interest. However, after reading your blog, I feel inspired to give them a shot. It’s been great getting to know this popular author through your writing!
My cousin’s favourite writer. Though I don’t read romance a lot. The way you have discussed how the writer has evolved with time embarking on a journey to show how love has also evolved with the passage of time seems to show the versatile nature that the writer has written.
Dear Friend,
Once upon a time I was a fan of romantic novels and it used to give me goosebumps when the romantic moments in the story ignited the spark in my heart. But with time slowly and steadily witness the repetitive plots by different authors especially the young ones are crowding the book world. It detached me for many years from reading romantic novels. I was looking for some realistic love stories which focus on the hardcore reality of true love. I got to read a few but still the world looks in love with he meets she formats. Coming to Durjoy Dutta and he being the Shah Rukh Khan of Indian Romance Fiction. For me Durjoy’s writing style sticks to he meets she format and that what I understood after reading 2 books of him which actually hold me back to read him any further. Sharukh is good as a romantic hero in movies like kuch kich hota ha, dil to pagal ha, DDLG, Jub Tak ha jan and many other are there… But Durjoy in my perspective not yet at par with Sharukh as he also gave serious movies like Swades , Hey Ram, Chak de India, Dear Zindagi are just to name a few. Sharukh showed his excellence as an actor and not just romantic hero and that’ why in my opinion Durjoy is far from being compared with Sharukh as of now.
But as you say about the latest few books of Durjoy where he is experimenting with other sensitive issues along with love indicates that he is in the following the paths of Shahrukh and I would like to congratulate him for taking this step to show his versatility as an author. Equally I appreciate your love for Durjoy Dutta as that what a fan is. Thanks for this wonderful post which showcases the love of a fan of Durjoy. God bless you.
Regards
Samata
I haven’t really heard about him but it looks like his books are quite popular. Enjoyed reading your comparison. I think every author has an audience. No one should be labeled crappy unless their writing is really bad.
Reading Durjoy Dutta’s romance books is nearly like feeling Shah Rukh Khan’s enchantment in print. Just as SRK’s performances have a classic charm, I relate with the way Durjoy conveys the essence of love and human ties. Both leave a permanent impression on my heart! I love romance, so I’m going to read his books right now.
Interesting comparison. Enjoyed reading it. I have yet to read a Durjoy Datta book… in full that is. Attempted once years back and had DNFed it. Reading your post, maybe it is time to give it a shot again.
Looks like he is popular among youngsters. Romantic books has its own charm and love to read such books. The comparison is very interesting. He definitely looks very cute with that dimple. Will give it a shot for sure.
This comparison never crossed my mind and so I was so curious looking at the title of your piece. As I was beginning to read, I thought in my mind, “Really?” And I now agree you are right. You can like them or not, but you cannot ignore them–that holds true for both.
What a perfect title! Of Course Dujoy is on the best authors and the way he writes is unmatchable. One can feel the words and lines he writes. I have read all his books and what amazing stories and the way he writes. Now I know from where does all these romantic lines comes.
Honestly I didnt read a single Durjoy Dutta books and in general I don’t read much romance genre books, that being said, authors like him encourage reading habits since their books are free of literary metaphors and complex monologues. This is what my husband says about his books who actually enjoys reading it, that his books entertains and helps him to relax and thats what he is looking for at the end of the day.
I follow Durjoy on Instagram and know about his books. although haven’t read any so far. never have been a fan of romantic books. and SRK also doesn’t appeal ne! sorry SRK fans!
I am not a fiction Reader but I love watching bollywood movies and ofcouse The SRK.
Loved the concept of how u have combined the author n the bollywood actor in the romance category.
gonna share with my friends.
I haven’t read his novels or about him. This is my first read about him and the way you have put all in words , I think it is worth reading about him. Your words really have good convincing power !!!
An interesting comparison for sure… But I’ve never read Durjoy Dutta’s books…